title: Online support for individuals with spinal cord injuries: an ethnographic investigation.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although social support is an important protective factor for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs), individuals often encounter significant barriers to obtaining support after experiencing a SCI. It has been suggested that the Internet may serve to help individuals with disabilities overcome common barriers in obtaining support, yet research examining the efficacy of Internet-based support for individuals with SCI has been mixed.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To develop a more nuanced understanding of how individuals with SCI can or might use the Internet for support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted semi-structured interviews with nine individuals with SCI to explore perceived needs and barriers to information-seeking and online support.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were recruited from Veterans Administration medical center outpatient and inpatient units providing specialty care to individuals with SCIs and from a community SCI Center of Excellence.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Individuals with SCI gain emotional, problem-focused, and reciprocal support from online sources.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Online resources can provide important opportunities for social support for individuals with SCI.
authors.forename: Alisa A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: O'Riley
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rose
authors.forename: Brinda
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dalal
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000208:ethnology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014728:Veterans
keywords: Disability; Emotion-focused support; Internet use; Online support; Paraplegia; Problem-focused support; Rehabilitation; Social support; Spinal cord injuries; Tetraplegia; Veterans